Chapter 335: Familiar Voice - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 335: Familiar Voice On the street, they waved goodbye to Lin Xiaoli and Lin Yingjun. Lin Zhengran drove the four girls back to the university. As they left the city, the girls in the car collectively let out a sigh of relief. Lin Zhengran was puzzled, “What’s wrong with you all? Haven’t you been enjoying yourselves the past two days? Why the sighs?” From the back seat, Jiang Xueli, clutching her chest, replied, “It’s not a sigh, really. It’s just that discussing such matters with elders for the first time, I was convinced they wouldn't agree, so I’ve been tense. My heart hasn’t stopped racing these past two days.” The others echoed her sentiments. Lin Zhengran thought to himself, "Did your heart ever stop before?" Xiao Heqing nodded, “Same here. If it weren’t for Lin Zhengran being so fearless yesterday, I felt Auntie Lin might not have let us stay with him.” Lin Zhengran shrugged while driving, “So, things that were decided last night, you’re only now relaxing about?” Han Wenwen added, “Because Uncle and Auntie were always around. Even though they agreed yesterday, we couldn’t talk about these things as freely as we can now. We've always had to keep our composure.” Their words made Lin Zhengran understand; it was similar to the feeling of proposing to future in-laws. “I get it now, but anyway, since my parents have accepted it, we can look forward to a future together.” Everyone was elated, but then Jiang Jingshi suddenly asked, “Wait, Zhengran, did you have Uncle and Auntie sign the off-campus living application?” Lin Zhengran glanced at Jiang Jingshi, “You didn’t give me the application, did you, Jingshi?” “I didn’t give it to you?” “Yeah, after my mom refused over the phone, it was put on hold, and I didn’t come by your office to get it.” Jiang Jingshi blinked her almond-shaped eyes as she realized, “Seems so. When we get back to school tonight, I’ll go to the office and hand you the application to mail to Uncle and Auntie. Hopefully, they won’t change their minds.” “They won’t. Once my mom agrees, she doesn’t go back on her word.” After a long drive, they arrived at the school; it was already late. The three girls returned to the dormitories to sort through their shopping bags. Lin Zhengran, however, accompanied Jiang Jingshi to the office to get the off-campus living application. Most of the other teachers had already left for the day. With no one else around in Jiang Jingshi’s office, Lin Zhengran decided to make a call. He dialed his mother’s number. The phone buzzed for a while before it got picked up, “Hello, Mom?” “Hello, Ranran?” His mother’s voice turned gentle; initially, the background seemed busy, like a movie playing, but it soon quieted. Lin Zhengran guessed... perhaps they were in one of those couple cinemas. He spoke of the main issue, “I’ll send my off-campus living application home tomorrow. Please remember to sign it. The teacher will also call you for verification.” Surprisingly, there was silence on Lin Xiaoli’s end. Lin Zhengran asked, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Covering her mouth, Lin Xiaoli whispered, “Ranran, is there anyone else around you?” Glancing at Jiang Jingshi, who was pouring him water, Lin Zhengran replied, “It’s just Jingshi. What’s up?” She murmured softly, “Find a private spot, and Mom will talk to you about this.” Suddenly he recalled what Jingshi had mentioned in the car that afternoon. Could Mom be having second thoughts? He hoped not. “Okay,” he said, then turned to Jingshi, “Jingshi, cover your ears.” “Huh?” Standing there, Jiang Jingshi saw him gesture to his phone and seemed to understand. Obediently, the young lady covered her ears with her hands. Sitting next to Lin Zhengran, she awaited his nod. “Alright, Mom, Jingshi can’t hear anything now,” he assured into the phone. Lin Xiaoli retorted, “Ranran, I heard what you told Jingshi about covering her ears. Isn't that a bit superficial?” “How is it superficial? Jingshi is not the type to eavesdrop,” he turned to Jingshi, asking, “Right, Jingshi?” With her ears covered, Jingshi nodded. “You see, Mom, she couldn’t hear a thing,” Lin Zhengran reassured. “But it’s a phone call—how could I see?” Lin Xiaoli sighed, “Fine, anyway, Mom wanted to say we’ve agreed to you being with the girls, but I must remind you about living together.” Clearing her throat, Lin Xiaoli got serious: “Ranran, you’re a smart boy. You know what I mean, right? At your age, hormones are strong, and with all four girls liking you, if you want to be responsible, you must tread carefully, got it? Especially before you graduate.” “Yes, Mom, you can trust me, right? I’ve known them for years; I know my boundaries.” Realizing her son was mature beyond his years, Lin Xiaoli acknowledged it. She was unsure just how far he’d gone with the girls, although she had inklings. “True. Even without living together, reckless boys could still make mistakes. I trust you will take care of the girls. Send that application tomorrow; your dad and I will sign it.” “Thanks, Mom. I won’t intrude on you and Dad’s time anymore. Bye.” After hanging up, Lin Zhengran and Jiang Jingshi exchanged a knowing smile. On the other side, Lin Xiaoli lay in her husband’s arms, a rosy tint on her cheeks. Lin Yingjun, embarrassed by their son's antics, asked, “Did he hang up?” Laying her phone aside, Lin Xiaoli leaned against him, “You know, our son... where did he get this flirtatious streak? How does he have so many girlfriends at once, and does it so openly?” She eyed Lin Yingjun suspiciously. He broke into a sweat, quickly disclaiming, “It’s definitely not from me.” Irritated, Lin Xiaoli retorted, “Then are you saying it’s from me?” and prodded his chest, “Well? Dear husband?” With a sigh, Lin Yingjun held her hand, “Honey, it’s more like our son is just exceptional. When I think about it, from birth, Ranran was destined for greatness, unlike ordinary people.” Snorting, she warned, “Don’t get poetic on me. And remember, Ranran is only like this with their consent. If you try anything like him, tonight, I’ll sharpen a carrot into a dagger and send you off to become a monk!” Terrified, he held her tight, “Don’t worry, honey. You’re my first love, why would I want anyone else? No other woman interests me!” Pleased, Lin Xiaoli smiled with pride, “Good.” Then, thoughtfully, she sighed, “I hope when the time comes for Ranran to propose, things go smoothly. It’s not going to be easy.” “Ranran will find a way. As his father, I have great faith in him.” The next morning, Lin Xiaoli received a call from the school teacher at work, “Hello? Yes, I am Lin Zhengran’s mother.” Jiang Jingshi attempted to sound formal since other colleagues were present: “I’m calling regarding Lin Zhengran’s request to live off-campus.” Strangely, Lin Xiaoli felt puzzled. The teacher’s voice... it seemed so familiar. (Chapter ends.)